The Malaysian passport has been ranked the fourth strongest in the world, with Malaysian travellers able to enter 174 destinations through visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival arrangements or electronic travel authorisation.
According to data published by independent platform Passport Reports, Malaysia also has the second strongest passport in Asean and the third strongest in Asia.
The Malaysian passport recorded a Global Mobility Score of 174, giving its holders access to 87.9% of the 199 destinations assessed without having to obtain a traditional visa before travelling.
Of the destinations covered, 121 countries, or 61.1%, allow Malaysians to enter without a visa.
These include most European countries, as well as popular destinations such as Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Mexico, Australia and South Africa.
Meanwhile, 45 destinations provide visa-on-arrival facilities or simplified entry procedures for Malaysian passport holders. These include Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, India, the Maldives and South Sudan.
The report also found that Malaysians can access eight destinations through electronic travel authorisation or similar digital systems, including the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, New Zealand and Seychelles.
Only 24 destinations, or 12.1% of those assessed, require Malaysians to obtain a traditional visa or prior approval before travelling.
These include the United States, Canada and North Korea, along with countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as several destinations in Africa.
The ranking highlights Malaysia’s strong global travel access, placing its passport among those offering travellers relatively broad mobility worldwide.
